What The World’s Healthiest Diets Have In Common

To research his 2010 book The 5 Factor World Diet, celebrity trainer and nutritionist Harley Pasternak traveled to the healthiest countries around the world to learn more about what made their meals extra nourishing. For starters, we eat much bigger portions than people in other countries. We dont prioritize eating seasonally or locally, and we also add lots of salt, sugar and thickening agents to our foods, explained Pasternak in a phone interview with HuffPost.

For starters, we eat much bigger portions than people in other countries. We don’t prioritize eating seasonally or locally, and we also add lots of salt, sugar and thickening agents to our foods, explained Pasternak in a phone interview with HuffPost.

Each one has its own unique quirks (reindeer meat! green tea!), and it’s good to remember that because of the incredible diversity of lifestyles around the world, it’s clear there isn’t one single path to weight loss or health. But Pasternak did take note of one unifying factor in all of the healthy societies he observed.

Name: Mediterranean Diet What it is: A traditional Mediterranean diet, eaten by people in Greece, Italy and Spain, emphasizes seasonality, local produce and traditional preparations. Meals are often community or family events. Signature Foods and Dishes: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil are the stars of the show. Fish, poultry and red wine make moderate appearances, while red meat, salt and sugar are bit players. Studies: Where to start with this one. The benefits of a Mediterranean diet have been studied since the 70s, and researchers have found that living that olive oil life can help people lose weight, lower their cardiovascular disease risk and reverse diabetes. As for ease of adherence, U.S. News & World Report ranked it third (out of 35 considered diets) and called it “eminently sensible.” What The World’s Healthiest Diets Have In Common